Places to see: Hampton Court Castle

Hampton Court Castle

Not to be confused with Hampton Court Palace in London - this one is in the Herefordshire countryside - nowhere near London and 100 years older. It is a truly impressive 15th century Medieval Castle and the gardens are some of the most creative and outstanding that I have ever seen. The Castle has a fascinating history dating back some 500 years, and despite numerous alterations over the centuries, the house has retained its original form. It would have been lost forever if an American millionaire called Robert Van Kampen hadn't rescued it from a sorry state in the 1990's. Unfortunately (I think), although he tried to put into the building what he thought was appropriate for an English Castle - and he did get rather carried away......................see what you think!

The Castle stands in immaculately kept Parkland, by the River Lugg, and the view as you drive in through the arched gateway is quite stunning.

When you enter the property, the first place you arrive at is the Walled Kitchen gardens, which were ablaze with red hot summer colours when I went. The kitchen garden is an ornamental garden mixing fruit, flowers and vegetables, all grown organically and used in their cafe.

Next, you come to an area of symmetrical canals with island pavilions that look so in keeping with the character of the place, that you could easily imagine yourself back in time 500 years. This area is so immaculately kept - it is a pure delight to walk around.

This is the 150 year old wisteria tunnel, which although it wasn't flowering - still looked amazing.

There are many ancient trees around the parkland - look closely at this one................

There was a "Wind in the Willows" theme when I was there!

This is the grand courtyard where you have to meet for a tour of the house (Timed Tours), and you could also get a drink, an ice cream, visit the toilets or have a look around the Arkwright Gallery. John Arkwright and his family lived at Hampton for about 100 years from 1810 to 1912 and the gallery contains photographs of the house and family during this time. He was the grandson of the famous inventor and industrialist Richard Arkwright.

The Orangery Cafe was originally a grand conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton in 1846, but it now sells delicious teas and lunches.

On the far side of the house, past the lake and into the woods there are some swings and a zip wire.

Then it was time for a tour of the inside of the castle, with a very informative guide. The estate was originally a quadrangular courtyard manor house built in 1427 by Sir Rowland Lenthall - granted to him by King Henry 4th upon his marriage to the King's cousin Margaret Fitzalan. They were allowed to castellate the house a few years later, when there was much unrest in the area. Their daughter inherited the property and she married into the Coningsby family and it remained in their family until the early 19th century when the Arkwright family purchased it. Between 1924 and 1972 it was the residence of the Viscount of Hereford and he was responsible for selling off most of the Castle's treasures - that have never been recovered and are lost forever.

A secret door through the bookshelf........................

Although there are several tapestries hanging on the walls, none are original - all have been made in the last few years.

This picture is of one of the Coningsby family and was found at an auction a few years ago - it is one of the only authentic items that is in the castle.

One of the most amazing features of the garden is the Yew Maze with a Gothic style tower in the centre - if you can find your way to the middle! There is another way to reach the tower and that is by walking down the steps to the sunken garden and walking behind the waterfall - where you may get a little wet. Through the other side you get a delightful view from a bamboo shelter, before heading through the VERY DARK tunnel to the tower.

Once you reach the tower and start climbing the stairs, the first area you come to is the door that leads out to the maze - if you fancy getting out that way. But up a few more flights of stairs and you get the most spectacular view of the maze and gardens with the castle in the back ground - it is well worth the walk and for me, one of the best views of the day.